CarPlay has slowly gained momentum over the last few years, but 2016 might be the year when it really breaks into the mainstream. That’s because Ford has announced that all of the Sync 3-equipped cars in its 2017 North American lineup will feature CarPlay as an option.

Ford is offering CarPlay as a part of its Sync 3 infotainment package. Sync 3, at least in the current 2016 lineup, is an available add-on, but every new 2017 Sync 3-capable Ford will at least have the option of being equipped with CarPlay.

According to Ford, the first model to launch with CarPlay will be the 2017 Ford Escape, which hits dealerships later this spring. Ford is also retrofitting 2016 models that have Sync 3 with upgrades due later in the year.

For you Android owners, you’ll be happy to hear that Android Auto will launch in parallel with CarPlay as a part of Sync 3. That means that no matter which phone you have, you’ll probably be able to take advantage of the advanced features afforded by smartphone connectivity.

I have to be honest and say that I wouldn’t even consider a new car purchase that didn’t feature CarPlay built-in, so it’s nice to see auto manufactures finally beginning to move on this.

What about you? Is CarPlay a must-have feature for your next big vehicle purchase?